General
It is important that you have all your identification before you leave care. You will need these documents to do things like get a job, go to school, rent an apartment, or open a bank account. Have your social worker help you to obtain these documents before you leave care. Your social worker may already have some pieces of your ID in your file, so make sure to ask before you leave care. Sometimes it can be a lot harder to get these items once you leave care.
Important documents to have:
Your Official Birth Certificate
In most cases, your social worker should have your Birth Certificate on file and you should be able to get this document from them. Please visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/subjects/ cards/birth_certificate.shtml to learn more on how to obtain your Birth Certificate.
Social Insurance Number
Every Canadian citizen is entitled to and should have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You will need your SIN in order to get a job and receive government benefits. Other places such as the bank, colleges, or universities may also request your SIN. Please visit the Government of Canada website at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/apply/how.shtml or a Service Canada agency office in your area in order to learn how to apply for your SIN.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) Card
It is important to have a photo identification (ID) card, as many organizations and occasions require photo ID. You can obtain a photo ID from SGI, whether or not you have a valid driver’s license, in which case you get a “non-driver photo ID.” To drive in Saskatchewan you must hold a valid driver’s license. If you can, it is best to get your Learner’s License, which includes your Driver Education Course, while attending high school, as it is free of charge. Taking your Driver Education Course through a certified school can be quite expensive. Make sure to talk to your social worker and other supportive adults in your life if you feel getting your license is something that is important to you!
High School Driver Education Information
For more information please check out this link: www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/licensing/getyourlicence/new/highschooldrivered.html
Other Driver Education Resources (out of high school)
To learn more about finding a certified driver education school please check out this link: www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/licensing/ driverexams/drivered.html
Non-driver Photo ID
For more information please check out this link: www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/licensing/features/photoidcard.html
Indian Status Card
If you are an individual registered as an Indian under the Indian Act you are eligible and can apply for a Status Card. You can check out eligibility criteria at www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/110 0100032472/1100100032473. The Status Card allows you to access a wide range of services and benefits.
You will need a parent or guardian to sign your forms if you are 15 years or younger. Once you reach 16 you can apply on your own. You can apply for your Status Card in two ways, by mail or in person at one of the Regional Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) offices. Check out the following link to learn more about applying for and getting your Status Card, www.afcs.ca/first-nation-status.html
Saskatchewan Health Services Card
You will need your Saskatchewan Health Services Card whenever you need health services, like seeing a doctor or other health professional. Your health card can also act as a second piece of identification when applying for other services (i.e. home utilities, bank accounts, etc.). Your social worker should have your Saskatchewan Health Services Card in your file and it is important to obtain this card before you leave care, if you do not have it already. In the event that you lose or have your card stolen, need to update information on it, or for more information, you can check out this link www.ehealthsask.ca/ healthregistries/Pages/default.aspx
Supplemental Health Coverage
Please check with your social worker or other adult ally to see if you are eligible for additional coverage through the supplementary health coverage. Currently, your supplemental health coverage does not require a separate card, but should be added to your Saskatchewan Health Services Card. For more information you can check out this link www.health.gov.sk.ca/ supplementary-health-program
Special Support Program for Prescriptions
Please check with your social worker or other adult ally to see if you are eligible for this program. This program is intended to help people whose prescription drug costs are high in relation to their income. For more information you can check out this link www.health.gov.sk.ca/special-support
Passport
A passport is an official document issued by the Federal Government of Canada to certify your identity and Canadian citizenship. A passport is an easily identifiable travel document that allows you to travel to and from foreign countries. The passport itself looks like a small booklet that will contain your photo, name, and place of residence.
You will need at least one other ID document, such as a birth certificate, driver’s or non-driver’s license photo ID, Indian Status Card, etc. in order to apply for a passport.
Passports are expensive. It is wise to obtain your passport while still in the system. Passports are good for either 5 or 10 years, depending on which one you apply for. For more information on applying for your passport, please visit the following website www.passport.gc.ca/info/index.aspx?lang=eng
If you are still in foster care, there may be a special application process that you will need to go through. You can check out the following website for more information www.passport. gc.ca/info/adoption.aspx?lang=eng
Citizen/Immigration Documents
It is important to have your current immigration status or citizenship documents when you leave care. Your social worker should have these documents on file. If you are in foster care and not a Canadian citizen or legal resident you should talk to your social worker. The Ministry of Social Services should help you take care of your immigration status; the process takes a long time and it must be completed before you leave the foster care system.
Register to Vote
If you are 18 years of age or older, you are eligible to vote in any national, provincial, or civic election. Have a say in who is elected and what happens in your country, province, or city. However, you need to register before you can vote. For more information on how to register please visit www.elections.ca/ content.aspx?section=vot&dir=faq&document=faqreg&lang= e#a1